Bike Check: Craig Evans’ Airdrop Edit V5

Fortunately, Craig took the time to walk into his facility. Before we dig into the details, here’s a fun edition of Craig’s weekend that features some enviable running skills. It’s hard to believe that it’s only three weeks after carpal surgery, isn’t it? The title of this edition is “Golfin isnae pish”. Golfin, because the local mountain is affectionately called “Golfy”, and “isnae pish” being a Scottish way of saying that something is really good, like.

The V5 is available in an MX or 27.5″ configuration. It’s big enough to see a 29″ wheel in an Airdrop, and probably the most notable update the bike has seen since its inception in 2016. The Sheffield-based brand keep the highly regarded 27.5″ wheel; indeed, their last downhill bike, the Slackerit is a complete business 27.5 “. Thus, it is not surprising to see that they continue to offer the Edition with 27.5 “wheels, although Craig Evans is currently riding the MX configuration.

On the shock, Craig runs at 475 lbs/spring with the hydraulic adjuster down to position three. At 88 kgs (194 lbs), which gives it about 25% sag. While that’s firmer than most, this one is actually on the soft side for Craig. I usually run at 500 lbs/ in the spring, but the conditions at home have been as wet as ever. Since switching to the softer spring, Craig found that he ended up running out of a lot of compression damping, so he plans to go straight back to the 500 lbs/in spring.
Reserve 30|HD Carbon rims are linked to Hope PRO5 hubs. Craig went with a Maxxis Assegai up front, with 26/27 psi on a Double Down, with a Maxxis DH22 in back with around 29 psi. I’ll qualify these numbers with Craig’s admission that his pump gauge probably doesn’t work anymore, and he usually just checks the pressure with his thumb.
It is reasonably capricious about the installation of brakes. He likes to bite quite quickly, and prefers the rear to bite a little before the front. The only other point of interest would be the double bash. On top of the integrated bashguards that come with a T-Type chain, Craig also runs an MRP Chain Guide and Bash Guard that sits further down. This has played its part well, having been out of form quite recently.

As well as Hardline, Craig will also race a handful of enduro races in the UK this season, including the infamous Ard Rock and some rounds of the Welsh Enduro Series. You can keep up with his ride on Instagram @cregskin.